Recipe Information
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
– Total Time: 50 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Soup
– 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage or ground beef
– 4 medium potatoes, diced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
– 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Extra Creaminess
– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnishing
– Fresh parsley
– Extra Parmesan cheese
– Freshly cracked black pepper
– A little olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add olive oil.
3. Add ground Italian sausage or ground beef.
4. Break the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon.
5. Cook for 6–8 minutes until nicely browned and fully cooked.
6. Drain excess grease if necessary.
7. Set aside a little browned meat for garnishing if desired.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
1. Add chopped onion to the same pot.
2. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Add tomato paste.
6. Mix well until fragrant.
7. Add chopped tomatoes.
8. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings
1. Add diced potatoes to the pot.
2. Return the browned sausage to the mixture.
3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning.
4. Add paprika.
5. Add black pepper and salt.
6. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Stir everything together to coat the potatoes with the seasonings.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
1. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth.
2. Stir gently.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Cover partially with a lid.
6. Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes.
7. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Slowly pour in heavy cream.
3. Add butter.
4. Stir gently until incorporated.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Stir until the cheese melts into the broth.
7. Add garlic powder if desired.
8. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
Avoid boiling vigorously after adding cream.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach
1. Add fresh spinach to the soup.
2. Stir gently.
3. Allow the spinach to wilt for 2–3 minutes.
4. Taste the soup.
5. Adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
6. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth.
Step 7: Final Touches
1. Turn off the heat.
2. Allow the soup to rest for 3–5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
4. Add extra Parmesan cheese.
5. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Serve hot in individual bowls.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings using Italian sausage and heavy cream.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 465 kcal
Protein 23 g
Carbohydrates 27 g
Total Fat 29 g
Saturated Fat 13 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 4 g
Sodium 850 mg
Cholesterol 95 mg
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut Type Amount
Almonds 0 g
Walnuts 0 g
Cashews 0 g
Pecans 0 g
Peanuts 0 g
Pistachios 0 g
Hazelnuts 0 g
No nuts intentionally added
Allergy Information:
– Contains dairy from heavy cream, butter and Parmesan.
– May contain gluten depending on the sausage and broth brands.
– Check packaged ingredients for possible nut cross-contact.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Best meat choice: Italian sausage gives the soup a traditional savory flavor. Ground beef also works wonderfully.
2. Creamier texture: Add an extra ¼ cup heavy cream if you prefer a richer soup.
3. Perfect potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape while becoming creamy and tender.
4. More flavor: Brown the sausage properly before adding other ingredients.
5. Thicker soup: Mash a few cooked potato pieces into the broth.
6. Extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, carrots or kale.
7. Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes.
8. Cheesy flavor: Add freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop.
– Add a little broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick.
– Stir occasionally while reheating.
– Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent the cream from separating.
– Freezing is not recommended for best creamy texture because potatoes and cream may change consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious creamy soup with:
– Warm garlic bread
– Homemade dinner rolls
– Toasted sourdough bread
– Fresh garden salad
– Garlic butter toast
– Parmesan breadsticks
– Roasted vegetables
Final Result
A beautiful bowl of rich, creamy Italian-inspired soup filled with browned sausage, soft potatoes, juicy tomatoes and tender green spinach.
The creamy garlic broth brings all the ingredients together, creating a warm, hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners and meal preparation!